QUALIFICATIONS
Currently studying - MA Arts, Health & Wellbeing (Plymouth Marjon University)
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Guildford College)
Accreditation with BACP
BA (Hons) Fine Art (University of Sunderland)
Reiki Practitioner (Totnes, Devon)
Continued Professional Development (CPD)
EXPERIENCE
Private practice - I opened this in November 2021.
Brixham College - I currently work part-time as a school counsellor, supporting children and young people. I have come to understand that a creative approach to counselling can sometimes be even more beneficial when working with this age group, due to the limited life experience and ongoing brain development. The support I have given here involves social anxiety, self-harm, low self-confidence, attachment difficulties and working with individuals on the Autism and ADHD Spectrum. I feel a great sense of admiration towards young people, as I truly believe they can offer such a valuable and fresh perspective on what is happening in the world today. They can often be the words of wisdom and change that we need to listen to as adults. I feel privileged to work with these individuals.
MIND - I worked as a Counsellor supporting and empowering clients living with mental health difficulties. It was here that I grew to understand the complexities of our mental health. Some may describe or label them as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and many more.
PARCS (Portsmouth, Abuse and Rape Counselling Service) - Supporting clients who have been sexually violated at any time in their lives. I learnt about power imbalance in relationships and post-traumatic stress, which involved understanding the science behind the function of the brain.
Rowcroft - I worked as a bereavement counsellor, and it is here I grew to understand the challenges around loss and grief, which personally felt extremely powerful and insightful.
BACKGROUND
My background is in education, where I worked at Treloar’s in Hampshire - a school and college that offers teaching, learning, professional care, therapy, advice, and guidance to children and young people with disabilities and complex needs. They work towards an individual’s future that is as independent as possible.
Previously, I worked for Action for Children in Newcastle upon Tyne and later in London. Their vision - Every child and young person has a safe and happy childhood and the foundations to thrive.
As a Counsellor, my learning continues; therefore, I feel it is essential to let you know that, whatever your difficulties may be, we can work, grow, and learn together. I truly believe it is the growing trusting and honest relationship that moves us forward. If I don’t understand your situation, I take the responsibility seriously, as I meet with a supervisor every month to guide me and support my understanding of what’s happening for you. During these sessions, all names are anonymised for confidentiality purposes. It is fundamental that a counsellor seeks supervision monthly or when needed, as it is here that knowledge and experience are passed on, but most importantly, it protects you.